
释永信大和尚
Shi Yongxin
Abbot Shi Yongxin: The Visionary Guardian of Shaolin Culture
Born in 1965 in Yingshang, Anhui Province, Abbot Shi Yongxin, whose secular name is Liu Yingcheng, began his extraordinary journey to spiritual leadership when he entered the legendary Shaolin Temple in 1981. Mentored by the venerable Abbot Xingzheng, the 29th abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin was deeply shaped by his master's teachings until Abbot Xingzheng's passing in 1987. Stepping into a leadership role as the director of the Shaolin Temple Management Committee, Shi Yongxin oversaw the temple’s transformation and was officially ordained as the 30th abbot in 1999.
Under his stewardship, the Shaolin Temple has evolved into a global symbol of Buddhism, martial arts, and cultural heritage. His leadership extends beyond the temple walls: he has served as the President of the Buddhist Association of Henan Province since 1998 and the President of the Buddhist Association of China since 2002. A voice of wisdom in national governance, Abbot Shi Yongxin has been a deputy to the National People’s Congress since 1998, actively contributing to China’s spiritual and cultural policies.
Reviving the Heart of Shaolin
Abbot Shi Yongxin’s vision has been one of restoration, innovation, and propagation. His efforts have rejuvenated Shaolin’s ancient traditions while ensuring their relevance in modern times. He has overseen the creation of the Shaolin Kung Monk Corps, the Shaolin Philanthropic Foundation, and the *Dew of Chan* journal, as well as the temple’s official website and the Shaolin Charity House. These initiatives bridge tradition and technology, reaching global audiences while preserving Shaolin’s ancient roots.
The abbot has breathed new life into the temple’s cultural and spiritual practices, reestablishing the Shaolin Pharmacy Bureau, Meditation Hall, and several traditional Buddhist ceremonies, including the Three Ordination Platforms Precept Transmission and the Water and Land Dharma Function. His work ensures that Shaolin remains not just a symbol of martial prowess but a living sanctuary of Buddhist wisdom and compassion.
Global Outreach and Cultural Diplomacy
Driven by the belief in Buddhism’s universal value, Abbot Shi Yongxin has championed Shaolin’s “Go Out” policy. Through the establishment of cultural centers in over 40 countries—including Berlin, London, Los Angeles, and Sydney—he has made Shaolin culture accessible to a global audience. His efforts foster interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding, embodying the Four Boundless Minds of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
A Commitment to Education and Compassion
Abbot Shi Yongxin’s dedication to education is unmatched. He has sent hundreds of monks to prestigious Buddhist colleges and universities worldwide, cultivating a new generation of monastic leaders. Through Shaolin’s affiliated temples across Henan Province, he has restored ancient sites and expanded Shaolin’s spiritual influence.
Equally impactful is his humanitarian work. With the establishment of the Shaolin Charity House, the abbot has provided shelter and care for hundreds of orphans, creating a nurturing environment for their growth. Additionally, his financial aid programs have enabled thousands of impoverished students to complete their education, embodying his vow to spread compassion through action.
A Scholar and Author of Timeless Wisdom
Despite his demanding schedule, Abbot Shi Yongxin dedicates himself to scholarly pursuits, sleeping only 5-6 hours a night to study, write, and reflect. His extensive body of work includes Dew of Chan, My Heart My Buddha, and Shaolin Temple in My Heart (available in Chinese and English). He has also edited monumental works such as the Encyclopedia of Shaolin Temple, Chan Buddhism Grand Ceremony (200 volumes), and Medical Encyclopedia of Chinese Buddhism. These texts preserve and share Shaolin’s vast cultural, medical, and spiritual legacy for future generations.